Throughout the last month, I have thought of a million things to write and actually thought I had... I think I write blogs in my head but never get a chance to sit down and write... I will admit that a lot of it had to do with me being sick. The last couple of months have been crazy, I start out getting a little cold and get better and then it comes back worse and I get stronger medicine and it goes away and then it comes back worse and I find out i have bronchitis........ sheesh, I wish i knew that to start with and started with the antiboitics... it would have cut out a lot of misery.... I finally got a real dose of the real world though because I used to skip class if i felt that bad and even if i went, i still had lots of time to rest. but here I still had to work, other than the one day i was forced to call in sick... and although I felt like my head would explode at times or i would cough up a lung, I was still busy and doing things and it taught me a lot... i know now that i can do what has to be done!
So thanksgiving just passed and it was relaxing. The week before Thanksgiving was full of senior dinner, kids club dinner, communities dinners, esl banquets and speaking at a church and eating with them... so a lot of time was preparing food or mingling and talking and eating with people. I quite enjoyed it, I was truly in my element... actually i was excited. Somehow I didnt ever get stressed out, these were the type of things i am good at and can carry the pressures with stride since i enjoy them so much... however, that isnt a gift everyone possessed and a lot of ppl on staff were getting stressed out and that brought tension over the whole center... that is something i cant handle well, the tension, so I went out with Jonathan to run errands on wed to get away from the tension and stress of ppl (and i got lost in houston of course) and when we got back everyone was gone to their places for the weekend (jonathan and i were the only ones staying).... and it was an instant relaxation. We havent been able to sit back and enjoy ourselves for a while so it was WONDERFUL! We sat and watched Christmas movies... (oh i recommend The Ultimate Gift) and then i baked and set up for the dinner the next day and a few staff members that dont have a lot of family joined us (they brought the food) for dinner on Thanksgiving..... then we set back and relaxed the rest of the day... me taking care of Jonathan since i kinda got him sick... and yesterday we even spent the whole day together shopping and it was so much fun!!!! who knew that would happen, but he was happy because I showed him places that he could get nice clothes for low prices (proof i was a college student with no dinero)... we had fun and we came back laughing and happy.... ppl are starting to get back and we are now on the last stretch with a lot of Christmas stuff... which i take joy in and is another area of low stress for me... but I just pray that it stays that way for others and they enjoy themselves at this time of year.........
Okay I plan to write more later and share a devotional that helped the last few weeks!!!
Nov 25, 2007
Oct 25, 2007
Octoberish
Okay.....so it has been a month....... many times I have sat down to write but I just havent..... for random reasons..... nevertheless, it is time.........
where do i start????? I have no stinking clue... haha
I find joy in the little things like Edgar, 3 yrs old, running into my arms when he sees me, another Edgar (ironic I know) hanging on me at Kid's Club, or just a senior adult smiling when I walk through the doors saying they missed me because I was in the back in the office. I love it when my kids make the special effort to learn their verses and going the extra mile to gain... or just ask simple questions as will you be back next week miss? I get much contentment out of my job, especially when I am busy and hands on with people...
The moments that are hard are when I have to take clothes back from a family because they deceived a volunteer into giving them more than they should have or see one of my kids with stiches or bruises but I cant do anything about it. The families trust us and we are a safe haven for them... we cant even honestly depict what some of them go through at home, so we dont know if they really walked into a door or what... also when it hurts for us to hug them or they are standoffish, sometimes it could break your heart if you let it.... but that is where you step in and just love them all the more.
Fun moments have happened since I have written... actually since the middle of September, I have had every weekend planned ... i have been a clown and painted faces, worked at the centers on a Saturday with the volunteer groups, went to a teen conference where I learned more of how to relate to youth without being in the world, and I got to work at a fun banquet supporting the counseling centers for the baptist convention........... I even took a weekend off and flew to GA alone to meet up with two amazing friends from the summer... during that weekend I finally got to relax and enjoy myself and regroup and have come back with more determination and focus to finish this semester fully on GOD........
Last weekend, we threw a banquet honoring our volunteers........ it was so amazing to see the appreciation on their faces when we greeted them, had pictures of them working and gave them awards........ All in all, it really showed me humility.... bc they have been here for years before me and will be here working years after me and they continue to bring joy and love into the centers week after week. I had the honor of sitting with some of them at dinner and it showed me how if i take a step out of my comfort zone and get to know people, it is a rewarding experience bc you can meet some great people. I also learned a little about sacrifice bc i was not feeling well but it was so worth it to work at the banquet and honor the volunteers who are always willing to help people.
I cant believe I will only be here another month and a half...... I dont think there is anything more to add, other than GOD IS DOING AMAZING THINGS AROUND ME AND IN ME!!! Everyday I feel like I am learning something new and growing closer to him....... okay, i will add more soon since this really doesnt cover the last month!
where do i start????? I have no stinking clue... haha
I find joy in the little things like Edgar, 3 yrs old, running into my arms when he sees me, another Edgar (ironic I know) hanging on me at Kid's Club, or just a senior adult smiling when I walk through the doors saying they missed me because I was in the back in the office. I love it when my kids make the special effort to learn their verses and going the extra mile to gain... or just ask simple questions as will you be back next week miss? I get much contentment out of my job, especially when I am busy and hands on with people...
The moments that are hard are when I have to take clothes back from a family because they deceived a volunteer into giving them more than they should have or see one of my kids with stiches or bruises but I cant do anything about it. The families trust us and we are a safe haven for them... we cant even honestly depict what some of them go through at home, so we dont know if they really walked into a door or what... also when it hurts for us to hug them or they are standoffish, sometimes it could break your heart if you let it.... but that is where you step in and just love them all the more.
Fun moments have happened since I have written... actually since the middle of September, I have had every weekend planned ... i have been a clown and painted faces, worked at the centers on a Saturday with the volunteer groups, went to a teen conference where I learned more of how to relate to youth without being in the world, and I got to work at a fun banquet supporting the counseling centers for the baptist convention........... I even took a weekend off and flew to GA alone to meet up with two amazing friends from the summer... during that weekend I finally got to relax and enjoy myself and regroup and have come back with more determination and focus to finish this semester fully on GOD........
Last weekend, we threw a banquet honoring our volunteers........ it was so amazing to see the appreciation on their faces when we greeted them, had pictures of them working and gave them awards........ All in all, it really showed me humility.... bc they have been here for years before me and will be here working years after me and they continue to bring joy and love into the centers week after week. I had the honor of sitting with some of them at dinner and it showed me how if i take a step out of my comfort zone and get to know people, it is a rewarding experience bc you can meet some great people. I also learned a little about sacrifice bc i was not feeling well but it was so worth it to work at the banquet and honor the volunteers who are always willing to help people.
I cant believe I will only be here another month and a half...... I dont think there is anything more to add, other than GOD IS DOING AMAZING THINGS AROUND ME AND IN ME!!! Everyday I feel like I am learning something new and growing closer to him....... okay, i will add more soon since this really doesnt cover the last month!
Sep 20, 2007
Update from week 4 (i think!)
Yesterday I was working in the ESL nursery and we had music playing, and even though it was directed toward children the music was hymns that Pastor Greg played at C2... my heart just jumped bc I got excited thinking of the church and the family I had there. But for the first time in the last 4 months, it finally hit me. What I am doing isnt something temporary and I will be returning to Charleston after a few months, I actually left and as much as I love the church I know I left to follow God to the next steps He has planned for me. What is so difficult is knowing that I wont be an active part of the church anymore and that so many GREAT things are happening that I dont get to be a part of. I mean I still feel so loved by the family there and will always have family waiting on me to visit, and I truly am content with following God where He leads.... but there is a sad part of my heart, finally realizing I am saying good bye and walking away from the church that has been so dear to my heart and has walked with me as I grew closer to Christ!
Nothing extraordinary this week in ministry... Gano had to switch days for Kid's Club because of the kids schedules so now on Mondays I will go to the other kids club at joy!!!! It was so great because those little ones actually remembered me and Christian, who I adored that summer, stuck by me and I loved just being able to get to know him all over. And Regina, who honestly tested my patience that summer, was another one that liked to follow me everywhere and she even taught me some games.. she has grown up so much and she actually speaks english now and she will listen, AMAZING i tell you... so you can see, I am a big fan of the change. I get to go to joy for 2 kids clubs though, both so very rewarding. I also did another interview with the senior adults and it was so great hearing her testimony on how God has worked throughout her whole life and gave her such strength........ oh and someone I helped last week get baby stuff together had her baby this week! so much to rejoice over!
Okay, so I will now give you the amazing story of Sunday, that just gave me so much joy ... so I have been looking for a church and I finally visited the journey class last week at First Baptist, which is a church that is so big I didnt want to try but finally gave in. and I enjoyed the class so I decided to go back for a second visit. So even though the class has 50-60 ppl, the teacher actually remembered my name and made me feel so welcome. and another girl was there that I met from the previous day at an ESL seminar I had to attend for Fletcher. AND I sat down at a table with all new people so we had that in common, but 2 were from SC and 1 was actually from CHARLESTON.... so we bonded quickly and they invited me to sit with the class in church and though I was nervous, I did so and we got to talk more and it was just fun!!!! THEN they invited me to eat lunch with them and my first instinct was to say no but I didnt have any good excuses and I didnt want to be rude so even though I was really scared, I said yes....... at lunch, there was like 30-40 from the class and so since I was one of the last, I didnt know anyone in the line. well the two girls I was between started talking to me... one even went to college in SC!!! but yea, they made me feel so welcome and at the table, I sat with one of the girls and 3 guys sat with us and they were friendly and welcoming and started talking to me about Clemson since I am from SC and all and they wanted to include me in conversation... I was so encouraged that day that I think I will go again on Sunday and pray that i have another great experience! I even tried their bible study last night but 40 ppl were there and it was a little overwhelming but God is breaking me from small groups quickly here so we will see!
Prayer Requests:
1. The hospital is calling from when I went there this summer (the foot stuff). They havent received payments bc i thought my insurance company is going to take care of it. Since I have been in Houston, my mom was suppose to mail the bills but she forgot... and with the time lapse and stuff, the situation hasnt been resolved yet.... the bill is in the thousands but i cant remember how much
2. I am being sued, I think Jazz might be as well but i dont know yet, for over $5000 for damages she caused (the wreck this summer) to the landscape in FL. The letter said since i am the owner of the car i am responsible, and unless my insurance pays then I have too.... if my insurance pays, it will go up so much more forlonger... but of course i dont have a lot of money sitting around....... and after praying and considering all options, I know what i need to do but now i just need to be brave enough to do so
3. This summer I was having a lotof issues with my feet and sores and stuff.. and i went tothe doctor a couple of times in florida and at home and they tried to take care of it. They said it could mean a couple of things though if it doesnt heal... both kind of major... so if the sores dont heal i need to be tested and they need to look at it a different way... well the past couple of weeks my toes have gotten bad again...... so unless miracles happen in the next few days i am going to have to set up appointments for tests.......
Now, mainly just pray that I will stay focused bc a million things are going through my head and since I am a thinker I am thinking about everything and considering every aspect of everything... which is slowly preoccupying me from the here and now........
I love yall, thanks so much for your support!!!
Nothing extraordinary this week in ministry... Gano had to switch days for Kid's Club because of the kids schedules so now on Mondays I will go to the other kids club at joy!!!! It was so great because those little ones actually remembered me and Christian, who I adored that summer, stuck by me and I loved just being able to get to know him all over. And Regina, who honestly tested my patience that summer, was another one that liked to follow me everywhere and she even taught me some games.. she has grown up so much and she actually speaks english now and she will listen, AMAZING i tell you... so you can see, I am a big fan of the change. I get to go to joy for 2 kids clubs though, both so very rewarding. I also did another interview with the senior adults and it was so great hearing her testimony on how God has worked throughout her whole life and gave her such strength........ oh and someone I helped last week get baby stuff together had her baby this week! so much to rejoice over!
Okay, so I will now give you the amazing story of Sunday, that just gave me so much joy ... so I have been looking for a church and I finally visited the journey class last week at First Baptist, which is a church that is so big I didnt want to try but finally gave in. and I enjoyed the class so I decided to go back for a second visit. So even though the class has 50-60 ppl, the teacher actually remembered my name and made me feel so welcome. and another girl was there that I met from the previous day at an ESL seminar I had to attend for Fletcher. AND I sat down at a table with all new people so we had that in common, but 2 were from SC and 1 was actually from CHARLESTON.... so we bonded quickly and they invited me to sit with the class in church and though I was nervous, I did so and we got to talk more and it was just fun!!!! THEN they invited me to eat lunch with them and my first instinct was to say no but I didnt have any good excuses and I didnt want to be rude so even though I was really scared, I said yes....... at lunch, there was like 30-40 from the class and so since I was one of the last, I didnt know anyone in the line. well the two girls I was between started talking to me... one even went to college in SC!!! but yea, they made me feel so welcome and at the table, I sat with one of the girls and 3 guys sat with us and they were friendly and welcoming and started talking to me about Clemson since I am from SC and all and they wanted to include me in conversation... I was so encouraged that day that I think I will go again on Sunday and pray that i have another great experience! I even tried their bible study last night but 40 ppl were there and it was a little overwhelming but God is breaking me from small groups quickly here so we will see!
Prayer Requests:
1. The hospital is calling from when I went there this summer (the foot stuff). They havent received payments bc i thought my insurance company is going to take care of it. Since I have been in Houston, my mom was suppose to mail the bills but she forgot... and with the time lapse and stuff, the situation hasnt been resolved yet.... the bill is in the thousands but i cant remember how much
2. I am being sued, I think Jazz might be as well but i dont know yet, for over $5000 for damages she caused (the wreck this summer) to the landscape in FL. The letter said since i am the owner of the car i am responsible, and unless my insurance pays then I have too.... if my insurance pays, it will go up so much more forlonger... but of course i dont have a lot of money sitting around....... and after praying and considering all options, I know what i need to do but now i just need to be brave enough to do so
3. This summer I was having a lotof issues with my feet and sores and stuff.. and i went tothe doctor a couple of times in florida and at home and they tried to take care of it. They said it could mean a couple of things though if it doesnt heal... both kind of major... so if the sores dont heal i need to be tested and they need to look at it a different way... well the past couple of weeks my toes have gotten bad again...... so unless miracles happen in the next few days i am going to have to set up appointments for tests.......
Now, mainly just pray that I will stay focused bc a million things are going through my head and since I am a thinker I am thinking about everything and considering every aspect of everything... which is slowly preoccupying me from the here and now........
I love yall, thanks so much for your support!!!
Sep 11, 2007
God Amazes Me
So I decided to go ahead and put in midweek thoughts bc God has been amazing the past couple of days... but by the end of the week I forget some things... but also it will make the entries shorter...
Okay, anyway... So I tried a Sunday School class Sunday Morning at First Baptist, which is the church i wanted to avoid bc of the size and such, but it is close to the center and it has options for young adults. I chose a Journey Sunday School, which focuses on young adults entering the real world for the first time (out of college)... and the range is 22-26, which is perfect. The class is still big, like 40 or 50 ppl but the teachers were nice and the class has a small bible study at their house on Wednesday nights so I think I may try that. and I love the Pastor, he is so real and down to earth and he knows how to keep my attention. and 1 girl even spoke to me after Sunday School so they was encouraging..... it is funny bc it goes along with my pattern of me thinking what is best and what is not and then finally giving in and God does amazing things. So keep praying, I will try Wed night and next Sunday morning, bc I want to find a church to be a part of.
Yesterday was amazing!!! So we separated the nursery and I was in the toddler room and I just keep falling in love with them. So they are learning how to say please (in english!) and how to clean up after themselves, and they are so stinking cute! We even tell them bible stories in there and it is cute when they actually get some of the things we are trying to teach them......
Then when we went home for lunch, we had a table full of groceries that a church went and bought for us missionaries. Things we can cook and specific things we each like... it was amazing!!! THEN after lunch I went to the clothing closet and we had a char load of clothes donated, mostly men's clothes... which we were in need of the most. Then there was Gano Kids Club, just an amazing time in itself. The kids are starting to recognize me and want to play with me and I love teaching them the memory verse..............
BUT THE MOST AMAZING PART OF THE DAY was Teen Club... these kids usually come for the basketball and snacks and just sit silently as we try to talk to them. We are going through the Case for Christ (student edition) on how to prove Christ is real. This was my week to teach (first time) and i started out by asking a simple question, do they think Christ is the real son of God...... wow buddy, did i start something. Questions started being fired at us and comments of 'proof' that the bible and Christ werent legitimate. We sat for about an hour just talking about things. They dont see the proof and such and they want to be atheists and such. But they didnt hold back, and a lot of those questions were TOUGH and i didnt know how to answer all of them. Kristen and I tried but it was challenging.... BUT THEY ARE OPENING UP to allow us to have these conversations... such a big step.
Okay, still the same prayer requests...... got to go, Fletcher Kids Club starts soon!
Okay, anyway... So I tried a Sunday School class Sunday Morning at First Baptist, which is the church i wanted to avoid bc of the size and such, but it is close to the center and it has options for young adults. I chose a Journey Sunday School, which focuses on young adults entering the real world for the first time (out of college)... and the range is 22-26, which is perfect. The class is still big, like 40 or 50 ppl but the teachers were nice and the class has a small bible study at their house on Wednesday nights so I think I may try that. and I love the Pastor, he is so real and down to earth and he knows how to keep my attention. and 1 girl even spoke to me after Sunday School so they was encouraging..... it is funny bc it goes along with my pattern of me thinking what is best and what is not and then finally giving in and God does amazing things. So keep praying, I will try Wed night and next Sunday morning, bc I want to find a church to be a part of.
Yesterday was amazing!!! So we separated the nursery and I was in the toddler room and I just keep falling in love with them. So they are learning how to say please (in english!) and how to clean up after themselves, and they are so stinking cute! We even tell them bible stories in there and it is cute when they actually get some of the things we are trying to teach them......
Then when we went home for lunch, we had a table full of groceries that a church went and bought for us missionaries. Things we can cook and specific things we each like... it was amazing!!! THEN after lunch I went to the clothing closet and we had a char load of clothes donated, mostly men's clothes... which we were in need of the most. Then there was Gano Kids Club, just an amazing time in itself. The kids are starting to recognize me and want to play with me and I love teaching them the memory verse..............
BUT THE MOST AMAZING PART OF THE DAY was Teen Club... these kids usually come for the basketball and snacks and just sit silently as we try to talk to them. We are going through the Case for Christ (student edition) on how to prove Christ is real. This was my week to teach (first time) and i started out by asking a simple question, do they think Christ is the real son of God...... wow buddy, did i start something. Questions started being fired at us and comments of 'proof' that the bible and Christ werent legitimate. We sat for about an hour just talking about things. They dont see the proof and such and they want to be atheists and such. But they didnt hold back, and a lot of those questions were TOUGH and i didnt know how to answer all of them. Kristen and I tried but it was challenging.... BUT THEY ARE OPENING UP to allow us to have these conversations... such a big step.
Okay, still the same prayer requests...... got to go, Fletcher Kids Club starts soon!
Sep 8, 2007
3rd week
Okay, this entry will not be as long as the others... Not much to say. This week was short because I had labor day off. The clothing ministry was slower this week and I had a lot of free time on my hands...
I did teach this week, at fletcher and Joy. I had so much fun doing that, I love just getting to know the kids and talking to them and asking them questions and telling them about the Bible (we are going through the book of Acts). Ruth has given me more responsibility, I will teach more often and I am in charge of certain little things, like books that come in, some of the Christmas store, and donations to enter into the computer. Also, I got to interview people for the first time, a procedure we do for anyone new with senior adults to get their information and see where they stand with Christ and present the Gospel to them, so I enjoyed that. It was an adventure. I interviewed 4 senior adults and boy did they give me a run for my money, but I just love getting to know them. One lady from the week before found me just to give me a hug... I never knew I would love this ministry so much.
Other than that, everything is the same. I have adjusted to the ministries well and love them.
Prayer Requests:
** I really need to find a church. I went to 2 last week, one in the morning and one at night (the church is so big there are services throughout the day)....... I think I will try a morning sunday school class at the one i tried that night... It is really big and a little overwhelming but there is a class offered to people right after they finish college and this is their first year in the real world kind of thing, so I am hoping to meet ppl there.
** I am homesick for the east coast, whether it is where my family is, charleston, or Orlando... i am missing the places so much and the people in Charleston and Orlando (or the ppl that were there when I was there) I am missing like crazy. I keep having these reoccuring dreams that primarily have the ppl I miss the most. Even though they are happy dreams, I wake up missing these friends more than ever..... this with a few other things mixed in made this week rough and hard. So be in prayer this week, I will stay more focused on God and my relationship with him and my ministry here, because I know this is where God has called me for now.
I did teach this week, at fletcher and Joy. I had so much fun doing that, I love just getting to know the kids and talking to them and asking them questions and telling them about the Bible (we are going through the book of Acts). Ruth has given me more responsibility, I will teach more often and I am in charge of certain little things, like books that come in, some of the Christmas store, and donations to enter into the computer. Also, I got to interview people for the first time, a procedure we do for anyone new with senior adults to get their information and see where they stand with Christ and present the Gospel to them, so I enjoyed that. It was an adventure. I interviewed 4 senior adults and boy did they give me a run for my money, but I just love getting to know them. One lady from the week before found me just to give me a hug... I never knew I would love this ministry so much.
Other than that, everything is the same. I have adjusted to the ministries well and love them.
Prayer Requests:
** I really need to find a church. I went to 2 last week, one in the morning and one at night (the church is so big there are services throughout the day)....... I think I will try a morning sunday school class at the one i tried that night... It is really big and a little overwhelming but there is a class offered to people right after they finish college and this is their first year in the real world kind of thing, so I am hoping to meet ppl there.
** I am homesick for the east coast, whether it is where my family is, charleston, or Orlando... i am missing the places so much and the people in Charleston and Orlando (or the ppl that were there when I was there) I am missing like crazy. I keep having these reoccuring dreams that primarily have the ppl I miss the most. Even though they are happy dreams, I wake up missing these friends more than ever..... this with a few other things mixed in made this week rough and hard. So be in prayer this week, I will stay more focused on God and my relationship with him and my ministry here, because I know this is where God has called me for now.
Sep 1, 2007
My address
Oh and my new address is
1815 Gano St
Houston, TX 77009
in case anyone wants to send me anything :)
1815 Gano St
Houston, TX 77009
in case anyone wants to send me anything :)
2nd Week in Houston
Ever since last Sunday, I wanted to write in this, bc it helps me organize my thoughts on what is happening and helpsme see where God is at work. but I always get preoccupied or distracted, very Rachel I know.
Okay, so I tried a church on Sunday, I went with Larissa to her church. I hadnt been to church the previous three weeks bc something came up each week so when I got there and started worship, I realized how thirsty I was for it. It was the greatest feeling, a surreal feeling in a way. I loved it! And the service was okay, it was justso big and for some reason I feel uncomfortable in big crowds, but still it was good. THEN we went to Sunday School, since there isnt a young adults class she goes to the college class. It was small but I still felt a little out of place. The teachers were welcoming though and the lesson taught blew me away and gave me a new way at looking at how we, as Christians, are suppose to welcome anyone and love all types of people. My overall experience was good, I loved the music and what was taught, I just felt uncomfortable around most of the ppl... Most of them didnt seem to care who was there or not so developing relationships seem a little harder than I am used to..... it really made me miss C2 and GO so bad, miss the hugs when I walked through the door and the people to talk to.... So in the morning, I will try a new church... it is going to be a little smaller so I am hoping I will like it better... the only bad thing is the smaller the church the less chance of there being a young adults class.... but I did research and I am kind of excited to try Easthaven...., So please be in prayer for me bc I want to find a church that will challenge and encourage me and I can become a part of the family of Christ.
Ministry is doing great... I did a lot better this week. I knew what I was doing so my time seemed to be more productiive. I still worked in the Nursery and am falling in love with the babies and Kids Club (all of them) were amazing! I loved playing withthe kids and getting to know them. I start teaching them next week!!! So exciting!
Other than that, just the normal giving out clothes and fighting the language barriers and doing lots of paperwork... they have found my strengths :)
I did get to talk to one of the senior adults on Thursday for a long time and I read her her devotionals... and she commented on how she gets lonely and wishes she had someone to share life with, bc everyone needs that...... so please pray for her.
I am getting to know the other missionaries better, we spent most of last night at Ginger's playing these crazy games and it was hilarious. They always have me laughing, just keep praying that I will open up more and that our friendships will grow. We arelike a family bc we live together and work together... but I am still the quiet new one... so we will see what this week holds!
The only other thing to pray for is an unspoken, nothing worth getting in to but something that I am looking for God's guidance and will in bc I dont see it.
Also, I miss my friends and family terribly, but that is a normal thing, I just keep praying that I continue to stay focused. :)
Okay, so I tried a church on Sunday, I went with Larissa to her church. I hadnt been to church the previous three weeks bc something came up each week so when I got there and started worship, I realized how thirsty I was for it. It was the greatest feeling, a surreal feeling in a way. I loved it! And the service was okay, it was justso big and for some reason I feel uncomfortable in big crowds, but still it was good. THEN we went to Sunday School, since there isnt a young adults class she goes to the college class. It was small but I still felt a little out of place. The teachers were welcoming though and the lesson taught blew me away and gave me a new way at looking at how we, as Christians, are suppose to welcome anyone and love all types of people. My overall experience was good, I loved the music and what was taught, I just felt uncomfortable around most of the ppl... Most of them didnt seem to care who was there or not so developing relationships seem a little harder than I am used to..... it really made me miss C2 and GO so bad, miss the hugs when I walked through the door and the people to talk to.... So in the morning, I will try a new church... it is going to be a little smaller so I am hoping I will like it better... the only bad thing is the smaller the church the less chance of there being a young adults class.... but I did research and I am kind of excited to try Easthaven...., So please be in prayer for me bc I want to find a church that will challenge and encourage me and I can become a part of the family of Christ.
Ministry is doing great... I did a lot better this week. I knew what I was doing so my time seemed to be more productiive. I still worked in the Nursery and am falling in love with the babies and Kids Club (all of them) were amazing! I loved playing withthe kids and getting to know them. I start teaching them next week!!! So exciting!
Other than that, just the normal giving out clothes and fighting the language barriers and doing lots of paperwork... they have found my strengths :)
I did get to talk to one of the senior adults on Thursday for a long time and I read her her devotionals... and she commented on how she gets lonely and wishes she had someone to share life with, bc everyone needs that...... so please pray for her.
I am getting to know the other missionaries better, we spent most of last night at Ginger's playing these crazy games and it was hilarious. They always have me laughing, just keep praying that I will open up more and that our friendships will grow. We arelike a family bc we live together and work together... but I am still the quiet new one... so we will see what this week holds!
The only other thing to pray for is an unspoken, nothing worth getting in to but something that I am looking for God's guidance and will in bc I dont see it.
Also, I miss my friends and family terribly, but that is a normal thing, I just keep praying that I continue to stay focused. :)
Aug 24, 2007
Houston... I am FINALLY HERE!
So the experience of the week is my going to a Spanish bakery where I got 4 delicious bake goods for $2.50 (and may I add we stuffed 5 ppl in one small car for this venture)... I enjoyed the experience and the food and I thought share :)
for the last week or maybe week and a half I have been telling myself to get on here and write because so much has been happening and i didnt want it to be a long entry where I will bore people but yet I just havent been able to get around to it or I have been really tired........ so here goes
Honestly, I didn't want to come to Houston. After Orlando, I just missed it and the people there and knew I would be happy there and I kept thinking about me me me... And I took that to God but it kept coming down to Him breaking me and me just saying 'ok, you are in control, i am going to follow you because it isnt about me' and He, like He has been preparing me for the last year, has led me to Houston. The whole time I was scared and nervous and anxious and wanting to turn back around the whole 2 day drive here... man, I have never been scared to try new adventures, I always grasped them with a little nervousness but the excitement outweighed that... so the past few weeks have been challenging... but i got encouraged after talking to a friend and was simply told at the end of my conversation to get over myself and turn to God and remember the reason i was here so yea :)
And the way here and the first day in Houston before I moved in and began work, I was just getting discouraged in so many areas of my life. It is like the devil knew my weak points and those buttons were being pressed and I got here more discouraged than I had in a while but I didnt want to start off like that so I just keep bringing it back to my focus being on Christ and Him being the reason I was here and I just dived into my ministry...
The ministry itself was full of mixed blessings and struggles.... I have been primarily put at Fletcher because that is the biggest need... But I get to work a little at each center (fletcher, joy, and gano)......... so here is my week in short version............. Monday y Wednesday mornings I work in the ESL nursery at F., Tuesday mornings I work in the clothing closet at F., and Thursday mornings I did the paperwork and helped with the senior adult ministry at G...... all 4 afternoons begin at fletcher working in the clothing closet or helping with other things around the center and I end the afternoons as such: Mondays Kid's Club at G., Tuesdays Kid's Club at F., Wednesdays Kid's Club at Joy, and Thursdays Preteens at F...........I get to help teach in the Kid's Clubs and all that fun jazz........ oh and Teen Club at F. on Monday nights......... Friday mornings are staff meetings and every now and then I will work on a Saturday for a couple of hours........... so this is my life and I really enjoy it. Just being involved, even though I havent learned things yet and still am learning my responsibilities, has been the greatest!
When I walked into Joy on Wednesday, which is where I served in summer 2006, all my kids came running up to hug me and it just warmed my heart. This was my heart that summer and I think I left part of it there, so I was so glad to be back and it was the greatest time, I think it was my favorite time all week.
I feel like when I type it all out I am not doing much but by the end of the week it does feel like it. We will see what God does and how He will use me... I might be able to use a couple of evenings to do something but for now I am using them to settle in and try to get to know the ministries......
Okay so I feel like I have talked about a bunch of nothing and honestly for you to get a good depiction of this week and what has been going on you would have to talk to me directly but even then I dont know how to describe it. Please just pray for me because I am so content in knowing that this is where God wants me and He has moved things and placed me in ministries that are applying my gifts and I am so happy with that but so many discouraging things are happening and it is a battle to give it over and not let those things win over in my life. I have become awkardly quiet here though which is VERY unusual bc I love people so much so just pray that I will find my place here bc I have been overwhelmed and I am struggling with finding my place and so even though I love hanging out with the other missionaries and think they are hilarious to hang out with but I am so quiet around them and I cant move past that...
This week has highlights though......I got a flat tire bc of a screw and so Jonathan, after finally understanding what I was asking (he is from puerto rico and so we are learning the communication thing) he changed it for me but of course it became a hilarious thing to watch between the two of us figuring things out and then the car fell and it was just bad and then i dropped a 12 pack of soda as we were going in and they all exploded and it sounded like we were getting shot!!! it was hilarious though! that among other random experiences i am laughing a lot... :)
for the last week or maybe week and a half I have been telling myself to get on here and write because so much has been happening and i didnt want it to be a long entry where I will bore people but yet I just havent been able to get around to it or I have been really tired........ so here goes
Honestly, I didn't want to come to Houston. After Orlando, I just missed it and the people there and knew I would be happy there and I kept thinking about me me me... And I took that to God but it kept coming down to Him breaking me and me just saying 'ok, you are in control, i am going to follow you because it isnt about me' and He, like He has been preparing me for the last year, has led me to Houston. The whole time I was scared and nervous and anxious and wanting to turn back around the whole 2 day drive here... man, I have never been scared to try new adventures, I always grasped them with a little nervousness but the excitement outweighed that... so the past few weeks have been challenging... but i got encouraged after talking to a friend and was simply told at the end of my conversation to get over myself and turn to God and remember the reason i was here so yea :)
And the way here and the first day in Houston before I moved in and began work, I was just getting discouraged in so many areas of my life. It is like the devil knew my weak points and those buttons were being pressed and I got here more discouraged than I had in a while but I didnt want to start off like that so I just keep bringing it back to my focus being on Christ and Him being the reason I was here and I just dived into my ministry...
The ministry itself was full of mixed blessings and struggles.... I have been primarily put at Fletcher because that is the biggest need... But I get to work a little at each center (fletcher, joy, and gano)......... so here is my week in short version............. Monday y Wednesday mornings I work in the ESL nursery at F., Tuesday mornings I work in the clothing closet at F., and Thursday mornings I did the paperwork and helped with the senior adult ministry at G...... all 4 afternoons begin at fletcher working in the clothing closet or helping with other things around the center and I end the afternoons as such: Mondays Kid's Club at G., Tuesdays Kid's Club at F., Wednesdays Kid's Club at Joy, and Thursdays Preteens at F...........I get to help teach in the Kid's Clubs and all that fun jazz........ oh and Teen Club at F. on Monday nights......... Friday mornings are staff meetings and every now and then I will work on a Saturday for a couple of hours........... so this is my life and I really enjoy it. Just being involved, even though I havent learned things yet and still am learning my responsibilities, has been the greatest!
When I walked into Joy on Wednesday, which is where I served in summer 2006, all my kids came running up to hug me and it just warmed my heart. This was my heart that summer and I think I left part of it there, so I was so glad to be back and it was the greatest time, I think it was my favorite time all week.
I feel like when I type it all out I am not doing much but by the end of the week it does feel like it. We will see what God does and how He will use me... I might be able to use a couple of evenings to do something but for now I am using them to settle in and try to get to know the ministries......
Okay so I feel like I have talked about a bunch of nothing and honestly for you to get a good depiction of this week and what has been going on you would have to talk to me directly but even then I dont know how to describe it. Please just pray for me because I am so content in knowing that this is where God wants me and He has moved things and placed me in ministries that are applying my gifts and I am so happy with that but so many discouraging things are happening and it is a battle to give it over and not let those things win over in my life. I have become awkardly quiet here though which is VERY unusual bc I love people so much so just pray that I will find my place here bc I have been overwhelmed and I am struggling with finding my place and so even though I love hanging out with the other missionaries and think they are hilarious to hang out with but I am so quiet around them and I cant move past that...
This week has highlights though......I got a flat tire bc of a screw and so Jonathan, after finally understanding what I was asking (he is from puerto rico and so we are learning the communication thing) he changed it for me but of course it became a hilarious thing to watch between the two of us figuring things out and then the car fell and it was just bad and then i dropped a 12 pack of soda as we were going in and they all exploded and it sounded like we were getting shot!!! it was hilarious though! that among other random experiences i am laughing a lot... :)
Aug 16, 2007
2nd part of end of the summer
Okay, the summer ended and the last post caught you up on the ministries.... so now I will finish with QIP and the actual end of the summer...
I did finish at QIP strong and I ended the summer with little things for each ofthe people I worked with, not really to remember me but something to remember Christ... and a couple that I got close with I did have a little something more special for them... well it was sad saying good bye but it was funny, bc i got close to the administrative assistant, kind of like my mom at work, but she never got to tell me good bye so she called my director upset and I luckily was in town so I was able to go say good bye but it made me laugh bc I was just as sad that i didnt get to tell her good bye. Then Eunide called me, a girl i worked with and we became friends, even called me to chat one day..... so I know that the time at QIP wasnt totally fruitless, but it did show me to respect anyone in the service industry that is helping me and also that PATIENCE is really a Virtue worth having!!!
Prayers answered: *I did get my car and was abundently taken care of...
* I did go to the foot doctor here and he has my foot hurting worse, but it is suppose to make it completely better in a couple of days so that is good, my feet are doing better (there is a possibility of surgery but I have to give the okay and since it isnt an emergency yet, I am not sure).
*Because I got my car, I did get to drive home and I will be driving to Houston in two days (more in the next entry)
*God has been in the middle of most of my relationships... God just shined His light and allowed me great friendships... each of the other 13 teammates and all the staff did teach me something but I am so thankful for the close friendships I did create and look forward to talking with them as we embark on this next semester... this summer transformed me once again and I hope it did all of my friends from CofC and that God just makes us more like Him each day... we are all used to seeing each other daily and now my prayer is that God shows us how to have friendships that dont see each other as frequently but still remain close, even as we change and go different directions in life... so that is my prayer God has shown me a lot this summer, a lot of areas I fell short on in my friendships and how by being self conscious to ppl not liking me and caring about what ppl think really hendered my friendships and i hurt ppl without meaning too... this summer, I grew into a person that I love and bc I am happy with who I am it is easier not to care about what others think about me bc I know where my heart is and that as long as my focus is on Christ and loving others and being as good of a friend as I can then I will be okay, so God taught me a lot this summer... it makes me so much more comfortable and happy and peaceful..... I wish i could explain it better but there isnt words to explain everything I learned this summer about me and God and my other relationships... another area that God is just amazing in!!!
The only other thing is to just be praying for me bc the last day at camp, it was wet outside so when i went inside i went sliding and fell and bruised my ribs so I have been in pain for the last 2 weeks. I ended up going to the hospital in Orlando (which added to my delay in leaving) and the doctor said it would take a few weeks to get better but i am packing up and leaving in two days so I hope they completely heal soon bc they still hurt..... at least joy and i got to spend more time together (there is nothing like a hospital visit to bond you, esp if i am laughing at everything even though it hurt to laugh... oh boy) so please be in prayer for that!!!
So that all in all is the end of my amazing and exciting and growing summer!!! I love the people that I became friends with, I love that I got challenged and had to grow closer to God and had to get over myself, I love that God answered prayers, I love that God showed us how BIG He is, and I love that God has prepared me for the next step in my journey..... semester missionary in Houston....
I did finish at QIP strong and I ended the summer with little things for each ofthe people I worked with, not really to remember me but something to remember Christ... and a couple that I got close with I did have a little something more special for them... well it was sad saying good bye but it was funny, bc i got close to the administrative assistant, kind of like my mom at work, but she never got to tell me good bye so she called my director upset and I luckily was in town so I was able to go say good bye but it made me laugh bc I was just as sad that i didnt get to tell her good bye. Then Eunide called me, a girl i worked with and we became friends, even called me to chat one day..... so I know that the time at QIP wasnt totally fruitless, but it did show me to respect anyone in the service industry that is helping me and also that PATIENCE is really a Virtue worth having!!!
Prayers answered: *I did get my car and was abundently taken care of...
* I did go to the foot doctor here and he has my foot hurting worse, but it is suppose to make it completely better in a couple of days so that is good, my feet are doing better (there is a possibility of surgery but I have to give the okay and since it isnt an emergency yet, I am not sure).
*Because I got my car, I did get to drive home and I will be driving to Houston in two days (more in the next entry)
*God has been in the middle of most of my relationships... God just shined His light and allowed me great friendships... each of the other 13 teammates and all the staff did teach me something but I am so thankful for the close friendships I did create and look forward to talking with them as we embark on this next semester... this summer transformed me once again and I hope it did all of my friends from CofC and that God just makes us more like Him each day... we are all used to seeing each other daily and now my prayer is that God shows us how to have friendships that dont see each other as frequently but still remain close, even as we change and go different directions in life... so that is my prayer God has shown me a lot this summer, a lot of areas I fell short on in my friendships and how by being self conscious to ppl not liking me and caring about what ppl think really hendered my friendships and i hurt ppl without meaning too... this summer, I grew into a person that I love and bc I am happy with who I am it is easier not to care about what others think about me bc I know where my heart is and that as long as my focus is on Christ and loving others and being as good of a friend as I can then I will be okay, so God taught me a lot this summer... it makes me so much more comfortable and happy and peaceful..... I wish i could explain it better but there isnt words to explain everything I learned this summer about me and God and my other relationships... another area that God is just amazing in!!!
The only other thing is to just be praying for me bc the last day at camp, it was wet outside so when i went inside i went sliding and fell and bruised my ribs so I have been in pain for the last 2 weeks. I ended up going to the hospital in Orlando (which added to my delay in leaving) and the doctor said it would take a few weeks to get better but i am packing up and leaving in two days so I hope they completely heal soon bc they still hurt..... at least joy and i got to spend more time together (there is nothing like a hospital visit to bond you, esp if i am laughing at everything even though it hurt to laugh... oh boy) so please be in prayer for that!!!
So that all in all is the end of my amazing and exciting and growing summer!!! I love the people that I became friends with, I love that I got challenged and had to grow closer to God and had to get over myself, I love that God answered prayers, I love that God showed us how BIG He is, and I love that God has prepared me for the next step in my journey..... semester missionary in Houston....
First half of the Ending of the Summer
So I just realized that my last post didnt really give a good picture as to what has been happening in Orlando.... and a lot has happened since I posted and I have just been too busy to catch the blog up....
Okay, first... I did get a jeep... it is the biggest God story ever, it really shows how BIG He really is... my church in Orlando decided to take up a love offering to help in my car situation (without me knowing bc I am always in the Children's area)... so Pastor Barry announced the love offering would be taken up the following week, well after service, a couple came up to Barry and told him they had a jeep they were going to sell, but they would be willing to donate it to someone that really needed it... and behold, I was handed keys to a jeep cherokee that day... Also because there was work that needed to be done on the car, the church took up a love offering and gave me a generous amount of money that helped fix the car up and get new tires on the car. THEN the last night, when we had our end of the summer dinner at a church, they heard the story of my car and wanted to help... so they got it set up to where I got new brakes put on my car and my oil changed for FREE..... Now, this is a WOW moment... so because all of this happened just a day or two after I wrote my last post, I was very occupied.... I even had to stay a few extra days in Orlando to get my car fixed bc i didnt have time before... which just canceled out my trips to Tallahassee and Charleston, but it was so worth it... this is a BIG example of HOW GREAT GOD IS!!!
Ministry wise, things were great... we finished out face painting with a BANG... we had a party come through and we were able to share the reason we were there several times and hopefully left an inprint on someone's life.... Kid's Club is amazing... once they finally let me back in the water (bc of my toe). we had kids asking about the bible story and the last sunday I was there I had the honor of taking on of my families to church with me... they were asking about churches but didnt want to go to the closest one but the one i attended 45 min away so I was really able to get to know them... I cant give exciting news that I led anyone to Christ bc they either knew everything or didnt care, but I got to show the love of Christ and share how amazing He is to the kids that showed up hang out with me and nathan... Prayer walking ended wonderfully... we visited our stores and my guy recognized me and as we talked i shared that i was a missionary and I have been praying over the magnet store and him (James) all summer... he was so happy about that and even thanked me and my team, which wasnt the point but the fact that He recognized us and acknowledged what we were doing gives me the hope that an impact was made there... so keep praying for him..... and I have a lot of magnets from this summer :)
GO Church ended with a bang... this summer I helped with the Children's department, giving Amanda, the girl in charge, a little break to enjoy service and fellowship with the other believers. I even had the opportunity to take care of the 2-3 yr old class and do their sunday school lesson... but for the most part i ran around helping all the classrooms and in the end, making sure all the classrooms were put back like they needed to be ( we are in a school).... Even though I did all of this i did spend the most time with the 2-3 yr olds and they are so great and I will miss them, miss holding them, playing with them, and teaching them.... Raela, Stephen, and Aubrey really touched my heart this summer and i miss them so much.... and the church in general came together as a family in Christ to help me and to just be there for each of the interns, to encourage and help us in any way... I will sincerely miss the youth! and Nick and the other youth leaders taught me a lot about their dedictation and love for the youth.... Kayla and Audrey are the two that really taught me a lot this summer and I grew to adore those two... Pastor Barry and Christina were so encouraging through everything this summer and I looked forward to seeing them each week..... I had myself in a bubble with Citadel Square bc I think it is an amazing church and so centered on Christ and being a family together that I didnt want to give any other churches a chance bc i didnt think anything could be as great as C2 bc I created a family there and I loved listening to Pastor David..... but I learned that God is using many churches out there and if they are truly focused on Him then they will be just as amazing, which helps me as I prepare for Houston and finding a church there...... but Pastor David and Pastor Barry, I will miss you a great deal bc you both always challenged me and encouraged me!
Okay, first... I did get a jeep... it is the biggest God story ever, it really shows how BIG He really is... my church in Orlando decided to take up a love offering to help in my car situation (without me knowing bc I am always in the Children's area)... so Pastor Barry announced the love offering would be taken up the following week, well after service, a couple came up to Barry and told him they had a jeep they were going to sell, but they would be willing to donate it to someone that really needed it... and behold, I was handed keys to a jeep cherokee that day... Also because there was work that needed to be done on the car, the church took up a love offering and gave me a generous amount of money that helped fix the car up and get new tires on the car. THEN the last night, when we had our end of the summer dinner at a church, they heard the story of my car and wanted to help... so they got it set up to where I got new brakes put on my car and my oil changed for FREE..... Now, this is a WOW moment... so because all of this happened just a day or two after I wrote my last post, I was very occupied.... I even had to stay a few extra days in Orlando to get my car fixed bc i didnt have time before... which just canceled out my trips to Tallahassee and Charleston, but it was so worth it... this is a BIG example of HOW GREAT GOD IS!!!
Ministry wise, things were great... we finished out face painting with a BANG... we had a party come through and we were able to share the reason we were there several times and hopefully left an inprint on someone's life.... Kid's Club is amazing... once they finally let me back in the water (bc of my toe). we had kids asking about the bible story and the last sunday I was there I had the honor of taking on of my families to church with me... they were asking about churches but didnt want to go to the closest one but the one i attended 45 min away so I was really able to get to know them... I cant give exciting news that I led anyone to Christ bc they either knew everything or didnt care, but I got to show the love of Christ and share how amazing He is to the kids that showed up hang out with me and nathan... Prayer walking ended wonderfully... we visited our stores and my guy recognized me and as we talked i shared that i was a missionary and I have been praying over the magnet store and him (James) all summer... he was so happy about that and even thanked me and my team, which wasnt the point but the fact that He recognized us and acknowledged what we were doing gives me the hope that an impact was made there... so keep praying for him..... and I have a lot of magnets from this summer :)
GO Church ended with a bang... this summer I helped with the Children's department, giving Amanda, the girl in charge, a little break to enjoy service and fellowship with the other believers. I even had the opportunity to take care of the 2-3 yr old class and do their sunday school lesson... but for the most part i ran around helping all the classrooms and in the end, making sure all the classrooms were put back like they needed to be ( we are in a school).... Even though I did all of this i did spend the most time with the 2-3 yr olds and they are so great and I will miss them, miss holding them, playing with them, and teaching them.... Raela, Stephen, and Aubrey really touched my heart this summer and i miss them so much.... and the church in general came together as a family in Christ to help me and to just be there for each of the interns, to encourage and help us in any way... I will sincerely miss the youth! and Nick and the other youth leaders taught me a lot about their dedictation and love for the youth.... Kayla and Audrey are the two that really taught me a lot this summer and I grew to adore those two... Pastor Barry and Christina were so encouraging through everything this summer and I looked forward to seeing them each week..... I had myself in a bubble with Citadel Square bc I think it is an amazing church and so centered on Christ and being a family together that I didnt want to give any other churches a chance bc i didnt think anything could be as great as C2 bc I created a family there and I loved listening to Pastor David..... but I learned that God is using many churches out there and if they are truly focused on Him then they will be just as amazing, which helps me as I prepare for Houston and finding a church there...... but Pastor David and Pastor Barry, I will miss you a great deal bc you both always challenged me and encouraged me!
Jul 20, 2007
Last Two Weeks
So in two weeks, I will no longer be in Orlando, no longer surrounded by some of the greatest people ever that I grown to love as family, no longer around the ministries that I do each week, no longer at work at the front desk of the QIP where I experience the love/hate thing... I will be either in Tallahassee seeing a friend or in Charleston catching up with friends... anticipating seeing my family that i will get to spend the next week or two with...... and that is all i know, which nothing is set in stone,..... and for a planner like me, it is unknown territory for me...... just thought i would share that little thought....
Okay, so ministries are going a little slow, and we are wanting to make the most of the last two weeks and leave with a bang... but it is hard with us losing energy and different things making us losing focus... they are things that are happening with me that distracts me and without turning to God i would not be able to approach some evenings, God carries me through completely... Like I painted only 1 face tonight with facepainting, versus several usually and prayer walking becomes hard to focus on at times.... but Kid's Club is amazing, I enjoy it more and more each time.... Work is still my biggest ministry focus and my developing relationships is amazing... I look forward to going to work even when it is tough and stressful because I get to talk to people and God renews my joy each day to spend time with them... I LOVE IT! ... cool things at church, i will catch yall up next time with that
Okay, prayer requests...
... i got an infection on my feet and had to miss 3 days of work and couldnt walk... talk about going crazy... and i had to get a shot and spend a day with doctors at the hospital bc that is the only place my insurance covered... crazy experience, but it did give me rest i kind of needed but now i have to go to a foot doctor now when i go home and i have to be careful with my feet and ankles...
.. travel arrangements home and car situation and pray as i pray for God's wisdom and guidance as i approach the next chapter of my life, pray that I am in God's will every step of the way
....... guidance and wisdom as I am experiencing different things with two people... not bad really but more unusual, there are two ppl in my life, one in orlando and one from my life before orlando, that i just want God to show me how he wants me to be a friend and where he wants me to go.
there may be more but it is late and i cant remember........ Thanks guys, i appreciate your prayers... Love always~*~*~
Okay, so ministries are going a little slow, and we are wanting to make the most of the last two weeks and leave with a bang... but it is hard with us losing energy and different things making us losing focus... they are things that are happening with me that distracts me and without turning to God i would not be able to approach some evenings, God carries me through completely... Like I painted only 1 face tonight with facepainting, versus several usually and prayer walking becomes hard to focus on at times.... but Kid's Club is amazing, I enjoy it more and more each time.... Work is still my biggest ministry focus and my developing relationships is amazing... I look forward to going to work even when it is tough and stressful because I get to talk to people and God renews my joy each day to spend time with them... I LOVE IT! ... cool things at church, i will catch yall up next time with that
Okay, prayer requests...
... i got an infection on my feet and had to miss 3 days of work and couldnt walk... talk about going crazy... and i had to get a shot and spend a day with doctors at the hospital bc that is the only place my insurance covered... crazy experience, but it did give me rest i kind of needed but now i have to go to a foot doctor now when i go home and i have to be careful with my feet and ankles...
.. travel arrangements home and car situation and pray as i pray for God's wisdom and guidance as i approach the next chapter of my life, pray that I am in God's will every step of the way
....... guidance and wisdom as I am experiencing different things with two people... not bad really but more unusual, there are two ppl in my life, one in orlando and one from my life before orlando, that i just want God to show me how he wants me to be a friend and where he wants me to go.
there may be more but it is late and i cant remember........ Thanks guys, i appreciate your prayers... Love always~*~*~
Jul 9, 2007
God's Glory
GOD IS AMAZING!!!
I know I keep saying that and people may believe that I am just on a mountain top because I am on a missions trip... but here is the thing, a lot of things keep getting thrown my way and I am working a full time job so I feel like I am more a part of the world than other mission trips have made me feel... I hope that makes sense.
But nevertheless, trials have turned into blessings and God has reminded me of the Joy and Comfort that HE provides me. My car issue is a big part of my life because everyday I have to depend on others for rides places (and the GOBA 2007 team is known for their tardiness, which isnt a good thing)... and I just paid $400 for my car to be taken away to car heaven bc it was totaled... and I still am praying for God to give me a way to get a new car. It is harder at times than others... esp like today when Suzette asked me to drive her car home from the lake (a treat for the GOBA team), it reminded me of how much I love to drive places... I think it makes me feel free..... OKAY BUT FOR THE BLESSING ... God turned it into a witnessing opportunity. The friends I talked about in the last entry just found out about the wreck bc I didnt really talk about it. Sheena and another guy that works at the hotel thought i should be upset and they were angry FOR ME since i wouldnt get angry... They were baffled at my calmness and contentment over the whole situation. I was totally honest and told them that it was hard for a couple of days but I saw it effecting my work, my relationships, and most importantly my relationship with God... and so I gave it over to him and He has taken care of me.... They were so shocked and kind of took a step back. It was such a God moment and I praise Him for the opportunity to show how far God's grace can go........ The last few days they have been making comments about me and they dont understand why I am always so nice to them and always so happy bc I am too cheerful for them at times... Let me tell you, this is all God if that is what they see bc the job itself is hard and a lot has been going on so some days are so tough to get through at work and I have been miserable at times, I just keeP reminding myself that I should act Christlike and share his love when I can, so if they see any good in me, it is God's strength and guidance the whole way!!!
And as far as Kid's Club is concerned... Three families from my pool asked about churches in the area and Nathan (my KC partner) and I hooked them up with our supervisor Suzette who took them to her church this morning!!! SO EXCITING!!!
Other than that, I am seeing a lot of things (little things) happen at GO church... As I work in the children's department, helping run the show so Amanda can take time off, I keep being needed in the 3 yr old area and there is a little boy that has had a lot of issues medically (he drowned and was pronounced dead but then was revived) and he has attachment problems with his mom and i know his parents need that time in church to rejuvinate themselves so I went in to try to help and he let me hold him (a rare thing for him) and for the rest of the day, I was the one he would stay with without crying... God used me in other little ways... I somehow get the crying kids to comfort each week but it is cool bc that is what I am good at. I love hanging out with the youth too... they are so cool!!!
There may be other cool God stories but I cant think of them all!
Prayer Requests:
1. Car: I have no idea how I will get a car but I am praying for God to take control and guide me the right direction. The team wants to try to help raise money for the cause bc I really do need a car and being a missionary for a year doesnt give me much money... and Jazz doesnt have a lot of money to give me so we need lots of prayers (and ideas too)
2. Comfort: Someone dear to my heart is hurting and i cant help. also i am learning i cant fix things so I have to lift up my friendships and things they go through and we go through together up to him and everything is in his PERFECT will. Also I am missing my friends and church family at home (even though I love it here)
3. Guidance: as I prepare to leave in 3 1/2 weeks and the next steps and any friendships here they may be beneficial and a blessing to carry with me wherever I go.
I know I keep saying that and people may believe that I am just on a mountain top because I am on a missions trip... but here is the thing, a lot of things keep getting thrown my way and I am working a full time job so I feel like I am more a part of the world than other mission trips have made me feel... I hope that makes sense.
But nevertheless, trials have turned into blessings and God has reminded me of the Joy and Comfort that HE provides me. My car issue is a big part of my life because everyday I have to depend on others for rides places (and the GOBA 2007 team is known for their tardiness, which isnt a good thing)... and I just paid $400 for my car to be taken away to car heaven bc it was totaled... and I still am praying for God to give me a way to get a new car. It is harder at times than others... esp like today when Suzette asked me to drive her car home from the lake (a treat for the GOBA team), it reminded me of how much I love to drive places... I think it makes me feel free..... OKAY BUT FOR THE BLESSING ... God turned it into a witnessing opportunity. The friends I talked about in the last entry just found out about the wreck bc I didnt really talk about it. Sheena and another guy that works at the hotel thought i should be upset and they were angry FOR ME since i wouldnt get angry... They were baffled at my calmness and contentment over the whole situation. I was totally honest and told them that it was hard for a couple of days but I saw it effecting my work, my relationships, and most importantly my relationship with God... and so I gave it over to him and He has taken care of me.... They were so shocked and kind of took a step back. It was such a God moment and I praise Him for the opportunity to show how far God's grace can go........ The last few days they have been making comments about me and they dont understand why I am always so nice to them and always so happy bc I am too cheerful for them at times... Let me tell you, this is all God if that is what they see bc the job itself is hard and a lot has been going on so some days are so tough to get through at work and I have been miserable at times, I just keeP reminding myself that I should act Christlike and share his love when I can, so if they see any good in me, it is God's strength and guidance the whole way!!!
And as far as Kid's Club is concerned... Three families from my pool asked about churches in the area and Nathan (my KC partner) and I hooked them up with our supervisor Suzette who took them to her church this morning!!! SO EXCITING!!!
Other than that, I am seeing a lot of things (little things) happen at GO church... As I work in the children's department, helping run the show so Amanda can take time off, I keep being needed in the 3 yr old area and there is a little boy that has had a lot of issues medically (he drowned and was pronounced dead but then was revived) and he has attachment problems with his mom and i know his parents need that time in church to rejuvinate themselves so I went in to try to help and he let me hold him (a rare thing for him) and for the rest of the day, I was the one he would stay with without crying... God used me in other little ways... I somehow get the crying kids to comfort each week but it is cool bc that is what I am good at. I love hanging out with the youth too... they are so cool!!!
There may be other cool God stories but I cant think of them all!
Prayer Requests:
1. Car: I have no idea how I will get a car but I am praying for God to take control and guide me the right direction. The team wants to try to help raise money for the cause bc I really do need a car and being a missionary for a year doesnt give me much money... and Jazz doesnt have a lot of money to give me so we need lots of prayers (and ideas too)
2. Comfort: Someone dear to my heart is hurting and i cant help. also i am learning i cant fix things so I have to lift up my friendships and things they go through and we go through together up to him and everything is in his PERFECT will. Also I am missing my friends and church family at home (even though I love it here)
3. Guidance: as I prepare to leave in 3 1/2 weeks and the next steps and any friendships here they may be beneficial and a blessing to carry with me wherever I go.
Jun 28, 2007
Finally an update
So I havent been keeping this thing updated like I wanted and but i dont even get online but like 5 mins a day because i have learned the new meaning of busy.
Okay, so what is going on with me. Well i am the front desk clerk at Quality Inn Plaza... and I get into so much trouble for being so scatter brained and clumsy but since i have the hospitality thing going for me and guests like me then they might just keep me for the last month :) It is a mentally challenging job bc you have to remember so much and you have to do it all quickly. Language barriers is hard to get past but people laugh at my attempts... I really need to learn spanish and when you dont even understand a lot of the english spoken is kind of sad... I have been making friends with some of my coworkers, esp the college students. The 3 i am the closest to is Sheena, Eunie, and Terryann and it is just so much fun talking to them.. My managers are cool for the most part. Some are christians and talk about it openly and some are not but they know i am the missionary so a little pressure there. They have been opening up a lot more and letting me in and i love it... I am making friends and building relationships at work... such a God thing
My team is AMAZING! As much as you heard me talk about how great Houston was and how God did amazing works in my life and how much he used me... I never was able to build strong bonds with the other missionaries. I believe a lot of it was where i was at in my life at the time but that is the one thing i wished i did better with. However this summer I have gotten so close to so many people, the opposite effect if you must......Nathan, Holly, SJ, Kara, BA, David and the rest have been amazing and I can sit down and have convos with most of them... and the directors and houseparents, Suzette and Brian, are the greatest encouragers and they have been here for everything this team has had to face and supported us in so many ways.
Okay, my ministries..... work is my big one bc i am there 35 hrs a week... the next big one is KIDS CLUB.... Nathan is my partner (probably one of my closest friends here too bc we understand each other) and our focus on the Lord for Kids Club has brought good numbers and has given us great opportunities to play with them and show them Christ's love. We had one boy who went from one kids club to ours and he asked detail questions to both teams and I got to share a lot with him one day. We say by the pool and God just used me to answer questions like "what is the criteria for heaven and hell?" and "if you kill yourself will you go to hell?" many tough questions but it was such a God experience
Another big ministry is GO church... on Sundays, i am in charge of the whole children's departtment so amanda can have a break. i love it!!!! I do miss church and it makes me think of C2 at times but the ministry is fun. I love youth ministry a little more but my managing skills come into play at this ministry. Youth group meets on wednesdays at a park bc that is the closest place to an area that if it wasnt for go church these kids wouldnt have anything bc of their personal lives with their families. They are beginning to open up and talk to me so i hope i have a little more time with them but mostly i can just pray for them. Pastor Barry is AMAZING though and he just speaks to me and God uses him tgo transform me ( i hear him on thursdays at team worship since i am with kids on sundays)
The other ministry is just face painting which i am okay at but nothing great.
OKAY PRAYER REQUESTS:
1 I need a car and I cant provide it right now so i am depending on God to show me a way. I sent most ppl the email with the story but long story short, i let a friend borrow my car and she accidentally totaled it and now it is difficult bc i was one of the drivers but i have been at peace that god will provide and show his glory. i didnt get mad or cry over the car bc i felt god the whole time. i thought the girl and money issue was the big hard issue but God keeps putting obstacles into my life... someone wise said it was to help sharpen me to be a great tool as a missionary... to go through trials to see what I can withstand... isnt that an awesome way to see God's glory!!!
2 strength, i am growing weary bc i am always busy and i never have me down time to rejuvinate
3 quiet times... i find random times when i get a minute and i do have it on a regular basis but no consistant times and they are getting shorter and shorter bc i am tired
4 group unity bc we are 1/2 done so the tension builds up and i have seen it. i am blessed not to be a part of a lot of things but i am someone they will come to to talk so it is hard a times
bc i get both sides.......... but i just want us to unified and focused.
I will try to put more prayer requests up....... sorry it is so long, i fit a month into this note.
Much love, keep praying and let me know how i can pray!
Okay, so what is going on with me. Well i am the front desk clerk at Quality Inn Plaza... and I get into so much trouble for being so scatter brained and clumsy but since i have the hospitality thing going for me and guests like me then they might just keep me for the last month :) It is a mentally challenging job bc you have to remember so much and you have to do it all quickly. Language barriers is hard to get past but people laugh at my attempts... I really need to learn spanish and when you dont even understand a lot of the english spoken is kind of sad... I have been making friends with some of my coworkers, esp the college students. The 3 i am the closest to is Sheena, Eunie, and Terryann and it is just so much fun talking to them.. My managers are cool for the most part. Some are christians and talk about it openly and some are not but they know i am the missionary so a little pressure there. They have been opening up a lot more and letting me in and i love it... I am making friends and building relationships at work... such a God thing
My team is AMAZING! As much as you heard me talk about how great Houston was and how God did amazing works in my life and how much he used me... I never was able to build strong bonds with the other missionaries. I believe a lot of it was where i was at in my life at the time but that is the one thing i wished i did better with. However this summer I have gotten so close to so many people, the opposite effect if you must......Nathan, Holly, SJ, Kara, BA, David and the rest have been amazing and I can sit down and have convos with most of them... and the directors and houseparents, Suzette and Brian, are the greatest encouragers and they have been here for everything this team has had to face and supported us in so many ways.
Okay, my ministries..... work is my big one bc i am there 35 hrs a week... the next big one is KIDS CLUB.... Nathan is my partner (probably one of my closest friends here too bc we understand each other) and our focus on the Lord for Kids Club has brought good numbers and has given us great opportunities to play with them and show them Christ's love. We had one boy who went from one kids club to ours and he asked detail questions to both teams and I got to share a lot with him one day. We say by the pool and God just used me to answer questions like "what is the criteria for heaven and hell?" and "if you kill yourself will you go to hell?" many tough questions but it was such a God experience
Another big ministry is GO church... on Sundays, i am in charge of the whole children's departtment so amanda can have a break. i love it!!!! I do miss church and it makes me think of C2 at times but the ministry is fun. I love youth ministry a little more but my managing skills come into play at this ministry. Youth group meets on wednesdays at a park bc that is the closest place to an area that if it wasnt for go church these kids wouldnt have anything bc of their personal lives with their families. They are beginning to open up and talk to me so i hope i have a little more time with them but mostly i can just pray for them. Pastor Barry is AMAZING though and he just speaks to me and God uses him tgo transform me ( i hear him on thursdays at team worship since i am with kids on sundays)
The other ministry is just face painting which i am okay at but nothing great.
OKAY PRAYER REQUESTS:
1 I need a car and I cant provide it right now so i am depending on God to show me a way. I sent most ppl the email with the story but long story short, i let a friend borrow my car and she accidentally totaled it and now it is difficult bc i was one of the drivers but i have been at peace that god will provide and show his glory. i didnt get mad or cry over the car bc i felt god the whole time. i thought the girl and money issue was the big hard issue but God keeps putting obstacles into my life... someone wise said it was to help sharpen me to be a great tool as a missionary... to go through trials to see what I can withstand... isnt that an awesome way to see God's glory!!!
2 strength, i am growing weary bc i am always busy and i never have me down time to rejuvinate
3 quiet times... i find random times when i get a minute and i do have it on a regular basis but no consistant times and they are getting shorter and shorter bc i am tired
4 group unity bc we are 1/2 done so the tension builds up and i have seen it. i am blessed not to be a part of a lot of things but i am someone they will come to to talk so it is hard a times
bc i get both sides.......... but i just want us to unified and focused.
I will try to put more prayer requests up....... sorry it is so long, i fit a month into this note.
Much love, keep praying and let me know how i can pray!
Jun 5, 2007
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2nd Timothy 1:7
So I know I haven't had much access to the outside world but the internet hasnt worked and I had training for my ministry and then training for work. Tomorrow actually begins my first full week with the full schedule (even though I started work last week). So be praying that I have the energy because the last couple of days (today was even my day off) I have been worn out. I need God's strength to give me energy to be the best I can at work. Working at the front desk, I am the first thing guests see so I need to have a smile on my face and a cheerful sincere nature... I just need enough rest to get there... which gives me to the most important part of the note!!!!
A couple of things have happened since we have been here. Today 3 or 4 girls got calls from their banks about suspicious spending. Then when we got back to camp after an outing our dorm has evidence of someone coming in and plundering... so the police have been called and are here and it is 2:30 in the morning and no one is asleep (yes and I have to be at work at 7am)... so please pray for my team because we are all shaken up. Someone was in my room and my purse was in the room and I had a wallet in there that was on my dresser opened...... luckily I have a keychain wallet and my credit cards and personal info was with me. I was blessed but girls have lost a lot of money tonight and it has hit them hard. We felt so safe on campus but now we just have to trust in God... but still we didnt expect this.
The first week has been good. The past couple of days I have been a little homesick and I really miss a few people a lot but it has not affected my work or ministry because I am in the zone and focused on the people there. God got me here and blessed me in little ways. I got to share my testimony with my aunt in FL and I got my own room and my neighbor, Kara, and I have become good friends instantly.
Trials have happened but God got me through each of them. The first day i sliced my finger REALLY bad (within 2 hrs of me being here) and I should have gotten stitches but we didnt know it was that bad until the day later bc it wouldnt stop bleeding long enough. so now i have a permanent scar to remember the summer. then they wanted to give me a special assignment in human resources which would have been fun but I would not get a single day off on all summer because I would work mon thru fri and do ministry tues thru sunday... and then I wouldnt have kids clubs (which broke my heart) and i wouldnt have time with my team. But I trusted in God and said I would be flexible and God blessed me by putting me at the front desk and I am on the same schedule as everyone else. I also caught on to the computer stuff the first day and they usually train ppl for two weeks before leaving them alone and i was on my own computer the 2nd day so that was kind of cool. I started making friends with my co worker s and I think they like me (my manager even bought me lunch Sat as a surprise)... so even though staying on your feet for 8 hrs is tough, I really like my job. I meet fun people every day.
Ministry is great... I am okay with facepainting and I love going to Fun Spot to paint kids faces... after a long day at work, it makes it all worth it. Tomorrow is our first kids club so be in prayer. I have to get up in two hours for work so I will finish my ministry report tomorrow or the next day!
Peace out :)
2nd Timothy 1:7
So I know I haven't had much access to the outside world but the internet hasnt worked and I had training for my ministry and then training for work. Tomorrow actually begins my first full week with the full schedule (even though I started work last week). So be praying that I have the energy because the last couple of days (today was even my day off) I have been worn out. I need God's strength to give me energy to be the best I can at work. Working at the front desk, I am the first thing guests see so I need to have a smile on my face and a cheerful sincere nature... I just need enough rest to get there... which gives me to the most important part of the note!!!!
A couple of things have happened since we have been here. Today 3 or 4 girls got calls from their banks about suspicious spending. Then when we got back to camp after an outing our dorm has evidence of someone coming in and plundering... so the police have been called and are here and it is 2:30 in the morning and no one is asleep (yes and I have to be at work at 7am)... so please pray for my team because we are all shaken up. Someone was in my room and my purse was in the room and I had a wallet in there that was on my dresser opened...... luckily I have a keychain wallet and my credit cards and personal info was with me. I was blessed but girls have lost a lot of money tonight and it has hit them hard. We felt so safe on campus but now we just have to trust in God... but still we didnt expect this.
The first week has been good. The past couple of days I have been a little homesick and I really miss a few people a lot but it has not affected my work or ministry because I am in the zone and focused on the people there. God got me here and blessed me in little ways. I got to share my testimony with my aunt in FL and I got my own room and my neighbor, Kara, and I have become good friends instantly.
Trials have happened but God got me through each of them. The first day i sliced my finger REALLY bad (within 2 hrs of me being here) and I should have gotten stitches but we didnt know it was that bad until the day later bc it wouldnt stop bleeding long enough. so now i have a permanent scar to remember the summer. then they wanted to give me a special assignment in human resources which would have been fun but I would not get a single day off on all summer because I would work mon thru fri and do ministry tues thru sunday... and then I wouldnt have kids clubs (which broke my heart) and i wouldnt have time with my team. But I trusted in God and said I would be flexible and God blessed me by putting me at the front desk and I am on the same schedule as everyone else. I also caught on to the computer stuff the first day and they usually train ppl for two weeks before leaving them alone and i was on my own computer the 2nd day so that was kind of cool. I started making friends with my co worker s and I think they like me (my manager even bought me lunch Sat as a surprise)... so even though staying on your feet for 8 hrs is tough, I really like my job. I meet fun people every day.
Ministry is great... I am okay with facepainting and I love going to Fun Spot to paint kids faces... after a long day at work, it makes it all worth it. Tomorrow is our first kids club so be in prayer. I have to get up in two hours for work so I will finish my ministry report tomorrow or the next day!
Peace out :)
May 28, 2007
CrAzInEsS
So for right now, we are having internet at camp so it will be a while before i am going to be able to thoroughly update you on the what happenings of orlando ( i only have it now bc a volunteer has a special program where he can get internet anywhere and has mercy on us... i am a van riding as we speak...
150 S Roma Way
Kissimmee, FL34746
more later!!
150 S Roma Way
Kissimmee, FL34746
more later!!
Oh, I think I have been placed at the front desk at Quality Inn Plaza and I will work with a partner, Nathan, doing Kids Club at a resort down the street...... which is a huge blessing because they were about to put me at Human Resources and I would not get the opportunity to do Kids Club... so God is blessing me greatly because I was worried and kind of sad about the initial set up.
May 24, 2007
Ending of one chapter and Beginning of a new chapter
So I arrived in Orlando tonight... the last few weeks, I feel like I have been living a dream. I am kind of waiting for reality to set in. I finished classes and finals and finally GRADUATED!!! Yes, May 13th, on such a beautiful rainy day I became a college graduate. Despite what others say, I think it was a FUN and exciting graduation. After that and packing and moving out, Dena and I quickly flew to Boston to celebrate graduation where we ran into a week of coldness and more wetness, yet I think we both agree that is was adventurous and full of entertainment. Then I came back in time to say good byes and pack and now here I am, the night before I begin a summer of working in the business department of ROSEN RESORTS and doing ministry in the evenings around Orlando............
So the big question people have been asking me is what exactly am I doing....... here it is in a nutshell. Tuesdays thru Saturdays, I will work in the business department of the resorts (maybe human resources or maybe something else, I will get full details in the next few days) and that will be my primary ministry (being an example)....... Three afternoons a week, I will take off two hours to host a Kids Club at the pool, full of fun, games, food, and bible stories. Then on Tuesday evenings I will prayerwalk the Orlando area. Thursdays are vendor visitation, where we will chose stores of interest and continually go in there and build relationships with people who work in the stores. Friday and Saturday evenings, we will work at street fairs, mainly doing fun activities like balloon animals and face painting. Wednesdays and Sundays, I will be placed in a church to work and minister in and that will help encourage and challenge me. We will work either with the youth or children... and Mondays are my days off.
So this is just a rough picture of what the summer will hold for me, things will probably change. My prayer is that God will prepare me and use me in different ways and that He will transform me in the process. Please keep praying... I will officially arrive at the camp in the morning to move in and help complete last minute tasks for the other innovators/missionaries arrivals.
Apr 19, 2007
Orlando!!!
On Tuesday, I was officially assigned to Orlando, FL.... so I will be working in the resorts for the summer AND doing children's ministry part time!!!
Apr 15, 2007
Graduation
Exactly 4 weeks from today I will be graduating from the College of Charleston!!! Walking across the cistern in my white dress and walking through the gates that I had to walk through my first day as a freshman!!! wow, it is so exciting!!!
Apr 6, 2007
First step completed
My applications for innovators and semester missions was excepted Wednesday!!! Now I just have to wait for the placement and the details!!! Exiting stuff...... Oh and a month from now I will be completely done with college! wow, time has flown by!
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